US vows to 'take back' Panama Canal from Chinese influence, says Defence Secretary Hegseth

More than 40% of U.S. container traffic, valued at roughly $270 billion a year, goes through the Panama Canal, accounting for more than two-thirds of vessels passing each day through the world's second-busiest interoceanic waterway read more U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez, and Commander of the U.S. Southern Command Adm. Alvin Holsey pose during a tour of the Miraflores locks, in Panama City, Panama. Reuters The United States will "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation….